Earlier we reported that there are few problems in Mankatha release under Dayanidhi Alagiri's Home banner and now this news confirms that if Ajith’s Mankatha has to release, it cannot be under the Cloud Nine banner.

It has been proved correct with Gnanavel Raja and his Studio Green grabbing the rights for the film.

Now Mankatha will be a Studio Green production and will be presented by Gnanavel Raja. The film has been purchased “lock stock and barrel” by Raja, who will now have Indian domestic theatre and the Television rights of the film. Raja has purchased the film at a record amount for a Ajith film.

Speaking to reporter, Gnanavel Raja said: “ Mankatha theatrical and other rights have been purchased by Studio Green. The film is getting censored tomorrow (Aug 23) and we are trying our best to release it on Aug 31 worldwide.”

Mankatha changing hands is a major happening in Kollywood. It is a win, win situation for Ajith and director Venkat Prabhu.

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In a very interesting development this evening, the rights for the Ajith starrer Mankatha have been bought by Studio Green. This comes as a surprise as there was no indication that such a move was being planned. The deal between Cloud Nine, the original producers of Mankatha, and Studio green seems to have happened within the span of a few hours. The reason behind this sudden decision by Cloud Nine Movies to sell the overall rights of their magnum opus to another production house is not yet clear.

What makes things more interesting however is that Studio Green, managed by Gnanavel Raja , is widely seen as the home production company of Suriya and Karthi. All the films produced and distributed by the firm till now have been either Suriya or Karthi starrers. Their decision to leave home turf and get into a big venture as Mankatha also comes as a big surprise.

One thing is certain; with the release of Mankatha under the Studio Green banner, the general impression of it being a Suriya-Karthi run enterprise will take a backseat and it might start to be seen as a production house which promotes quality entertainers. Latest news from the Mankatha camp is that all hands are on deck to ensure an August 31 release.

With such excitement and surprises being generated in the run up to the release, one cannot wait for the actual film to hit screens.